Sen Boxer from CA, the US Senate is not a lame duck
Lame duck officials tend to have less political power, as other elected officials are less inclined to cooperate with them. However, lame ducks are also in the peculiar position of not facing the consequences of their actions in a subsequent election, giving them greater freedom to issue unpopular decisions or appointments. Examples include last minute executive orders by U.S. Presidents.
Pretty sure if they were, they would have just rubber stamped that US Bailout(or incase you are sensetive, the Bridge (to Nowhere) Loan)
Obviously this report is biased, please do you own research and form an opininon